Christina’s MCAT Fun
WHEN?
April 2006
 The winter semester of my 4th year
 I had all the prereqs
 However.. It was 2 years since I had
organic or physics and 3 years since gen
chem

PREPARATION
KAPLAN (good idea)
 February-April (one month after other
classes began)
 Attended around 3 times a week for 3
hours minimum
 Spent every free second I had …. Which
wasn’t enough

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES
Took 4 courses (12 credits) – Analytical
Chem and lab, Immunology, Urban
Planning (TOO MUCH!)
 President of AMSA (formerly APMS)includes events, volunteer and many other
obligations that take up a tremendous
amount of time

OVERALL EXPERIENCE
BAD!
 I was not prepared even though I worked
constantly
 Brought down my GPA
 Realize that there is only so much you can
do with the time you are given… give
yourself the most time possible

THINGS TO IMPROVE ON
Allow the most time possible to have the
best outcome possible,
Learn, don’t just write or memorize
Don’t think it’s okay to have a full day of
class and then go to an MCAT class for the
rest of the evening
HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD YOU PUT IN?

For the MCAT expect to spend about 2
hours minimum daily and more time on
weekends

To be on top of your MCAT prep class only
expect to spend about 3 hours per class
meeting in the beginning and later about
5 as material gets harder
PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE!!
Make your own notes from the notes Kaplan
gives you, and review those.
 Memorize the formulas as you go along and
associate them with the questions and
passages
 Subject tests
 Flash cards… 3 piles
 Practice MCATS… don’t only do the 5 Kaplan
gives you (AAMC ALSO!)

Don’t learn anything new within the last 2
weeks of the class
 Spend that time taking practice full length
MCATS only
 Review your notes daily by section and
really memorize your formulas and any
flashcards that are troublesome
 Improve timing as you go along, don’t worry
about timing in the beginning, as you
become more familiar with the material you
will go faster

ATTACKING PROBLEMS
Map them out
 When doing physics and chem, think
about what basic principles they are
expanding on
 Cut through the BS.. Always go back to
basics
 When doing verbal you need to read the
passage for the why.. Not just the what

Just remember one important thing
 YOU KNOW THE MATERIAL AND YOU
KNOW THE ANSWER
 They cannot and will not test you on
something you have never seen.. They
just disguise it


When taking the real test just stay calm….
GENERAL TIPS
Give yourself the fairest chance - don’t take
on the MCAT until you have had the basic
classes
 Chem 1220, Orgo 1 and 2, Physics 1 and 2,
BIO 1500, 1510, Cell Bio, Microbio, Biochem,
Genetics, and Physiology or A&P
 If you have time, take a critical thinking class
 Make time for yourself…Seriously, you will
need it

IT’S ALL ABOUT ATTITUDE
The MCAT is not that bad…. Honestly
Just give yourself a fair chance. Do
everything you can and be confident...
YOU CAN DO IT
GOOD LUCK!!